Belfast

Belfast, originally called Orrinsburgh was formed from
Caneadea on March 24, 1824.
The name was changed to Belfast on April 21, 1825. In 1831 part
of Caneadea was annexed. Belfast lies a little northwest of the
center of the county.

The first settlement was made on Genesee River in 1803, by
Benjamin, Elisha, Calvin and David Chamberlin, brothers from
Pennsylvania. Jedediah Nobles, from Elmira, settled on
the river. Benjamin Littleton, from Elmira, settled on
Wigwam Creek in 1805. The first child born was Moses V.
Chamberlin. The first marriage was John Sanford and
Mary Collar in 1806. Elijah Reynolds taught the first
school in 1807. Joseph S. Raymond kept the first inn,
near the village in 1821. Samuel King kept the first
store in 1824. David Sanford erected the first saw mill
and grist mill on the river, near the village in 1809. Rev.
Ephraim Sanford (Baptist) held the first religious meeting at the
house of Nathaniel Reynolds in 1806 and formed the first church
in 1807-08. [Source: J.H.French, Gazetteer of State of New York, 1860]

*code #s refer to the Allegany County Cemetery Index card file at the Allegany County Historical Society and LDS Family History Library microfilm. See Western New York Genealogical Society Journal, Vol. II, No. 1